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Excerpts from the Sample Eulogies
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Depth of life is not only measured by how much we appreciate the
important things, but also by how much we, in turn, are appreciated. And
again, we find the true meaning of this idea among ourselves and our
feelings. We are here because we cared. We are here because our
connection with (name) was a deep connection based on friendship, love,
trust, and understanding. And that can only happen with a treasured
human spirit, with a spirit like (name).
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When I heard the
sad news that (Name) had passed away a few days ago, my first thought
was that a light had just gone out in the world. I sat in stunned
silence at my desk for a very long time thinking about the influence she
had on my life that, until that moment, I am not sure I fully
appreciated.
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As I stand here
there is a song in my head that I can�t get rid of. Some of you may know
it. It was a popular song from a not so good television show a few years
ago called the Heights. The song was: How do you talk to an angel? I�m
standing here wondering just that, because there is no doubt in my mind
that (name) was an angel here on earth and is now an angel in heaven.
He/she had a heart of gold. Looking around this room/church/temple today
makes it clear just how many people�s lives (name) touched with that
heart of gold.
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How was I supposed
to choose from all those memories of joy and laughter, or the way he
always seemed to know what we kids had been up to, because no doubt,
he�d been up to the same things himself, when he was our age.
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Now there is an
empty space, where once a man worked, played, and bent down to take the
hands of his children, and his children�s children. It�s a very large
void, not so much because his physical presence is now gone, but more
because the way in which he shared himself, was something that filled us
all with the sense that we were someone special to him - as special as
he was to us. And that space can never be filled by another person.
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We have all
appreciated the visits, and the phone calls, the little stories of
things that Mom did or told you, most of which we�d never heard before.
It�s like adding more pictures to the album of memories we already have.
Our greatest regret being, that we did not have more years with her, in
which to add to that album.
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In closing, I�d
like to suggest something to you. Don�t mourn; don�t be sad. She
wouldn�t have wanted that. Instead remember the good times: remember her
laughter, remember her smile, remember her happily and remember her
often. Now THAT is how she would want us to feel.
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No one expected
tomorrow to come so soon. And as I see all of you, and as I spent
yesterday and this morning talking to you and sharing comfort, and I
read the dozens of emails I�ve received, I know my sister and my best
friend has done a great thing. She pulled a vast number of people
together of different hues, backgrounds, and areas and brought you all
together. It is a testament to her values, a testament to her charm and
grace, and a testament to a great life. I hope what she gave you will
stay with you just long enough for you to share it with someone else.
She will stay with me because that�s what sisters, and best friends, are
supposed to do.
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What can I say
about my grandfather? He was unlike any other man I ever knew. It�s sad
to say that until now, I sometimes feel like I didn�t know him. But
looking back, I realize now that his presence in my life helped shape me
into the person am I today.
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